How does The Monk develop the theme of Gender and Power?

The Monk by M. G. Lewis develops Gender and Power across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Women in the novel are often objects of male desire and victims of violence, as seen with Antonia and Agnes, yet characters like Matilda and the prioress wield power through manipulation or authority, exposing the complex and often oppressive dynamics of gender in a patriarchal society.

Elvira's warnings about the prioress's authority highlight the power dynamics within the convent and over women's lives.